The Innovation Development Centre comprises approximately 35 staff and provides key support to GR&D through the manufacture of samples/prototypes; physical & analytical testing; the planning & scheduling of these services and the control of tobacco on-site (in compliance with HMRC License conditions).

Ensuring we continue to have the right Organisational Capabilities (People/Process/Technology) to manufacture samples is critical to the Product Development process, and to the launch of innovation to market, at speed and at scale.

Responsibilities

Supporting the development & deployment of consumer relevant innovation to market, at speed and at scale:

Provide support to the IDC, and other OneR&D stakeholders, at all stages of the Product Development Life-cycle; working with key stakeholders in the development and implementation of innovative, cross-category, technology solutions, building and enhancing development capability and capacity; results/performance orientated, embed a culture of Continuous Improvement, applying appropriate methodologies (e.g. IWS/CI/L6S); support the development through mentoring & coaching of technical resources in the IDC and across OneR&D; establishing & sharing of Best Practice across Global Pilot Plant footprint; maintain a safe and healthy work place environment.

Embed a culture of Continuous Improvement (focus on technology and business processes) through the application of appropriate methodologies (e.g. IWS/CI/L6S);

Lead motivate and develop their team, ensuring planned output requirements/quality standards are met whilst, ensuring all H&S guidelines are followed;

Ensure effective planning, organisation, operation and installation of all new processes and equipment, to enhance capability and maximise capacity;

Carry out Site Safety inspections and audits and supply to H&S committee for action;

Lead/Support problem solving activities by assisting in analysis & resolution of problems; able to define; determine and ensure implementation of appropriate corrective actions;

Plans the long-term workload for projects through the application of formal project management principles ensuring the availability of necessary technical resource and technology platforms;

Review team performance regularly to identify areas for improvement, and encourage progress of individual team members through performance review, and developing and delivering agreed personal development plans;

Understands, promotes and applies their responsibilities under the EH&S policy;

Active members of Project Teams in identifying and presenting for review, appropriate technical solutions;

Train & mentor Team Members to achieve high quality in working practices and processes;

About You

Diploma or other equivalent qualification in a technology field such as Engineering or equivalent; Bachelor’s degree preferable;

Relevant technical experience resulting in a thorough knowledge of concepts, principles, methods, processes or techniques of innovation development and/or manufacturing;

Active awareness of technical developments in innovation development / manufacturing;

Effective communicator - able to engage effectively at all levels, with a flexible communication style which can be adapted to suit the audience;

Problem-solver - tenacious and will use creativity, innovation and an analytical approach to exhaust all options until a satisfactory solution is found.

Decisive - confident in making difficult decisions, balancing the analysis of data with personal judgement and taking into account the wider business ramifications and commercial context.

Flexibility when working unsociable hours in support of meeting program targets and maintain a flexible approach to working hours as you may be required to work shifts or support other areas of production;

An ability to act under pressure with calmness, clarity of thought;

Taking receipt of guidance and instruction from multiple leadership direction.

Effective engagement with Project Teams, through the Product Development Lifecycle;

Manufacture of samples as per agreed timelines and quality standards;

Timely communication with Project Development Teams where technical challenges, impacting agreed sample specification and timelines, have been identified;